THE community of Kindon, between Millmerran and Goondiwindi, may be small but it’s got a big heart.

For one day each year that heart beats to a jazzy tune or two.

Nine years ago, a group of Kindon parents and locals got together to create a fundraiser for the tiny, one-teacher Kindon State School and the Isolated Children’s and Parents’ Association.

That’s how Jazz on the Hill came to be.

The event moved around the district, before settling on Suzie Killen’s scenic property Ogilvie five years ago.

In the scenic gardens of Ogilvie, Jazz on the Hill combines good music, fine wine, food, fun and friendship.

As one of the event organisers Mrs Killen has seen the event grow to attract hundreds of people each year.

“When you consider that it started off with just locals and a few mates, we were over the moon when had close to 100,” she said.

“We were just thrilled in our first year, 2008, to have just on 100 people – mainly locals with a few mates and relatives.”

This year, organisers are hoping to attract more than 500 people.

Two bands will play this year – Cool Nights (the founding band of Jazz on the Hill) and the Stuartholme school band.

Mrs Killen said each year the event would showcase a different school band.

“Last year it was the Glennie school band,” she said.

“Cool Nights are a young, vibrant Toowoomba jazz band. They will work well with the school. It’ll be a great mix.”

Another special feature this year is a champagne bar, sponsored by Wearing Memories.

Wearing Memories is a world famous jewellery line created by Australian designer Kiron Barui.

“Her passion is champagne, so French champagne will be a feature of the bar,” Mrs Killen said.

“She designs a line of jewellery using the lid off the cork, including lockets and rings.”

For organisers, the success of Jazz on the Hill comes to down three very important things – friendship, food and fun.

“I believe life becomes so frantic and so busy you seem to be juggling so many different balls in the air, around schools, children, your career,” Mrs Killen said.

“Jazz on the Hill is a beautiful concept. It allows you to step off the treadmill for an uncomplicated day in the country, to just breathe.

“It has a beautiful harmony that’s very inclusive, not a young person’s event or an old person’s event – just something for everybody.”

Behind the jazz, wine, food and friendship, Jazz on the Hill has a greater purpose.

The tiny Kindon State School has dropped to just six students, across a range of different year levels.

The spread of the students makes having one teacher challenging. Mrs Killen said that was why the fundraising aspect of Jazz on the Hill was important.

“Fundraising allows these children to have the best education so they don’t miss out on too much,” she said.

“We can fund extra coaching for them, fund an extra teacher for the children.

“We fund travel for small schools to visit other small schools, spending the day getting to meet other students.”

The ICPA is also important aspect of the fundraising, according to Mrs Killen.

In the past nine years, organisers estimate Jazz on the Hill has raised around $40,000 for the Kindon School and the ICPA.

Last year the event was attended by 450 people, raising more than $10,000.

But for organisers it’s more than just about fundraising.

“It also showcases the district, showcases people and the culture we have towards and children and their education,” Mrs Killen said.

“We’re proud of doing something like this around that one very small thing, it sets such important tones for the children later on in life.

“The important thing to do is to be proactive too, it’s a good thing to set an example for the children.”

For Mrs Killen, welcoming people into her home and into her garden is a highlight of the event.

“I love people,” she said.

“We have a beautiful spot – we like to share what we have.”

To prepare, the avid gardener gets to work in her garden.

“I put in a new garden every Jazz on the Hill event,” she said.

“It gives me an added creative goal to build something that improves the event.”

Jazz on the Hill will be held on Saturday, June 18 from 12.30pm to 9pm.

Tickets are $35 for adults, $10 for children over 13 and $5 for children under 13.

Organisers are encouraging people to book their tickets well in advance.

Book online at toowoombatickets.com.au or from Blue Rose Design in Marshall St, Goondiwindi.

Those hoping to have a glass of wine or two can also catch a bus from Millmerran, Toowoomba or Goondiwindi.

Buses range from $15 for kids up to $60 for adults, including entry to the event.

For more information, phone Suzie on 0427676809.